By rdnewsNOW staff

CHANGING HANDS

Town of Ponoka selling airport to Ponoka Flying Club

Feb 14, 2020 | 7:08 AM

PONOKA- Town council in Ponoka has pproved a motion authorizing the sale of the Ponoka Industrial Airport to the Ponoka Flying Club for $385,000.

The club will also become the operating authority for the airport.

Town officials say the sale agreement will include a 25-year option for the Town to repurchase the airport for $385,000 plus inflation if the land is no longer to be used as a community airport.

Council also approved a motion authorizing the Mayor and CAO to sign a five-year grant funding agreement for the Town to grant $20,000 per year to the Flying Club.

“Council is pleased that we have a buyer that is highly motivated to continue operating the airport for the benefit of local aircraft owners and for our community as a whole. Council’s decision was made in the interest of the efficient operation and future development of the airport, and is in the best interest of the public.” says Mayor Rick Bonnett.

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Officials say the sale of the airport will allow the Town to recover money that has been invested into the airport in recent years and will free up Town staff resources and equipment to address other priorities in the community.

“The Ponoka Flying Club thanks the Town for the opportunity to purchase the airport and for continuing to support airport operations through the annual grant as we work to grow the airport over time,” said spokesman Neil McLaren.

The closing date for the sale agreement to be completed and signed is on or before April 15.

The Ponoka Industrial Airport (Labrie Field) was purchased by the Town of Ponoka in January 1968 for $26,300 from Joseph Hector Labrie. Since that time it has been operated and maintained by the Town.